Reimagine your city with this grant program for young civic innovators

Toronto-based nonprofit 8 80 Cities just put out a call that should be of interest to young civic innovators in Philly: A round of grants for projects that “enhance public space, urban mobility or civic engagement” is now opened.

With backing from the Knight Foundation, the Emerging City Champions program provides $5,000 in seed funding and a year’s worth of programming to civic innovators looking to impact one of the 26 U.S. cities where the Knight foundation has a presence.

Though the program is not just for technologists, past projects have included interactive bus stops, STEAM education programs and UX training resources.

Last year, four Philadelphians participated in the program:

• Dena Ferrara Driscoll — South Street Action Tank
• Hanae Mason — Lovett Park
• Kyree Holmes — Onyx Valley
• Gabriela Sanchez — Theatre en Las Parcelas

“Since 2015, this effort has uncovered new talent and new ideas that are already making a difference in cities,” said Sam Gill, Knight’s VP for communities and impact. “We can’t wait for the next set of emerging leaders who are driving the future of informed and engaged communities.”

Have an idea to make your city a more vibrant place to live and work? Apply to be an @880CitiesOrg Emerging City Champion by May 12 to get $5K in funding to bring your vision to life: https://t.co/R8uaoAEbKu #k880champs #knightcities

— Knight Foundation (@knightfdn) April 8, 2019

Amanda O’Rourke, executive director of the Toronto nonprofit, said the yearly grant program ties together civic leaders who aspire to build equitable and vibrant cities.

“Each year, we are thrilled to support the diverse, community-driven projects that participants bring to their communities,” O’Rourke said. “We look forward to seeing what ideas this year’s competition will bring.”

Those interested in the program can apply online by May 12.